Philadelphia Crews Begin Removal of Franklin Slag Pile
Work to clear 68,000 cubic yards of industrial waste from the Port Richmond site is now underway.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Construction
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Crews have started the removal of a massive slag pile at the Franklin Slag site in Philadelphia. This $26 million cleanup project aims to eliminate 68,000 cubic yards of material containing lead, beryllium, and copper.
Why it matters
The site contains leachable concentrations of harmful industrial byproducts, posing a potential risk to the 20,000 people living within one mile of the four-acre property. Adding the site to the National Priorities List highlights the severity of the contamination legacy.
The remediation project involves removing 68,000 cubic yards of slag from the four-acre site, with the pile currently standing 48 feet high. The total cleanup cost is $26 million, supported by $18 million from previous owners.
The players
Sevenson Environmental Services
This firm serves as the project contractor responsible for executing the site remediation.
Environmental Protection Agency
This federal agency added the site to the National Priorities List to manage the cleanup.
City of Philadelphia
The city government owns the four-acre property currently undergoing environmental restoration.
Franklin Smelting and Refining Corp
The former operator began industrial activities at the location during the 1930s.
The details
Workers are wetting the slag and applying a chemical reagent called Make-Tight during excavation to minimize dust release, while lined haulers transport the material to the Fairless Landfill in Bucks County. Castor Avenue remains closed to traffic for the duration of the project to facilitate heavy equipment operations.
Timeline
1930s: Franklin Smelting and Refining Corp began copper smelting operations.
August 2026: The EPA and Army Corps began site remediation construction.
October 2026: Crews began digging up and removing the slag pile.
Fall 2027: Projected date for removal of most of the pile.
May 2031: Expiration date for the cleanup contractor's agreement.
Market Landscape
This project follows the regulatory framework established by the National Priorities List for managing contaminated land. The effort represents a significant public-private allocation of resources to address environmental liabilities in post-industrial urban centers.
Residents living within one mile of the site should expect ongoing road closures on Castor Avenue as heavy equipment operates in the area. The strict safety thresholds, including a 150 parts per million dust limit, are designed to protect the surrounding Port Richmond community.
The takeaway
The project demonstrates the long-term fiscal responsibility cities face when managing contaminated industrial legacies. Residents are advised to respect local traffic detours to ensure the cleanup crew can safely move material off-site.
Further reading
For more information on large-scale infrastructure and remediation efforts, visit the Philadelphia Construction section.
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